Chapter 3 My Wife Will Not Admit to Fictitious Charges

Arabella was interviewing for a position at a pharmaceutical company under a multinational corporation.

She originally wanted the Sales Manager position, but HR, citing her being 30 years old, unmarried, childless, and out of the workforce for two years, only offered her the Sales Assistant role.

The base salary was $2,500 plus commission, and if she didn't make any sales in three months, she'd be fired.

Arabella thought back to two years ago when she resigned; she was a key player in her company. Her manager had repeatedly advised her against focusing too much on romance, but she had still thrown herself into marriage, dreaming of a peaceful life.

What she got instead was a harsh reality check.

Now, trying to return to the workforce, she was getting a tough lesson.

This was the price of marriage.

Arabella smiled bitterly and signed the employment papers.

She believed in herself; this was just the beginning.

Her first day of work wasn't until tomorrow, so after completing the paperwork, Arabella left the company.

She followed the address Alexander had given her and knocked on the door.

It opened quickly, and Alexander stood there, expressionless. "You're back."

Arabella smiled politely, "Yes, I brought some food. If you haven't eaten, would you like to join me?"

Alexander paused slightly. Arabella thought he might refuse, but he surprised her by agreeing. "Sure, I'll grab some bowls."

He also grabbed a bottle of fruit wine.

At the dinner table, Arabella raised her glass to him. "Thanks for helping me out at the courthouse today."

Alexander smiled faintly and said calmly, "Consider it a good deed. After all, we are partners."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Arabella said, "I'll pay you market rent for the room. I'll owe you for the first two months and pay you back when I get my paycheck."

Alexander nodded.

After dinner, Alexander asked, "It's still early. Want to go shopping? We need to get some things for the house, and we can split the costs."

Arabella stood up, "Sure."

Neither of them had a car, so they walked. Fortunately, the mall was only about ten minutes away.

They pushed a shopping cart inside and headed to the home goods section. Suddenly, Alexander stopped.

Arabella followed his gaze and froze.

What a small world.

Just a few steps away, Cassidy was clinging to Anthony's arm, leaning affectionately on his shoulder.

Next to them stood Anthony's sister, Rachel Watson.

Cassidy looked over in surprise. "Arabella, what a coincidence. Are you here to buy things for your new place too?"

Anthony's face immediately darkened.

Rachel crossed her arms and sneered. "Arabella, how shameless are you? You just got divorced and already moved on. You've tarnished the Watson family's reputation!"

People around them started to look at Arabella.

This girl is so pretty, but she's quite the player?

Arabella instinctively tightened her grip on the bedding in her hand.

She had never gotten along with Rachel. During her two years married into the Watson family, Rachel had bullied her constantly, even once pouring scalding apple cider on her in public.

She had endured everything for Anthony.

But her patience hadn't led to a happy ending.

Her chest felt tight, and she looked at Rachel, her voice soft: "I moved on right after the divorce, but didn't your brother do the same? I was legally married to my husband, but your brother and Cassidy aren't even married yet. Who's more respectable?"

Anthony's face darkened further, suppressing his anger. "Arabella, what's your problem? Cassie and I are truly in love. It's none of your business! Know your place!"

Rachel sneered. "Exactly, know your place! Who do you think you are? You and Cassidy aren't even comparable! You're just a shameless flirt!"

It felt like a punch to the chest, and Arabella's heart ached.

Place? When Anthony and Cassidy got together, she was the legally wedded wife, the rightful daughter-in-law of the Watson family!

She had let go, she had stepped aside, and yet she was the one being insulted.

She looked at Anthony, her eyes dimming, her voice soft: "You can rest assured, I want nothing more than to part ways with you."

As she said this, her expression turned bleak, like a flower wilting in the frost.

Anthony felt a strange pang in his heart, recalling their wedding day two years ago, when she had smiled so brightly and said, "I look forward to spending my life with you."

Cassidy gently shook his hand, whispering, "Anthony, let's just drop it. Arabella probably didn't mean any harm…"

Anthony snapped back to reality. Marrying Arabella had been a convenience; he loved Cassidy.

He looked at Arabella impatiently, "You'd better be!"

He turned and walked away with Cassidy. Rachel, feeling resentful, suddenly charged at Arabella!

Arabella was caught off guard. Just as she thought she would fall, a hand reached out, grabbing her waist and pulling her aside.

Rachel had used all her strength and, unable to stop, crashed into a shelf.

Items fell everywhere.

More people gathered around.

Rachel, humiliated, shouted angrily, "Arabella, you did that on purpose!"

A staff member rushed over, shocked at the mess. "What happened?"

Rachel pointed at Arabella, snapping, "It's her fault! She did this!"

The staff member hesitated, looking at Arabella. "Ma'am, you'll have to pay for the damages…"

Everyone was staring at her, but no one spoke up for her, not even Anthony or Cassidy, who had seen Rachel attack her.

Arabella felt a deep sense of loneliness and helplessness.

She tried to explain, "It wasn't me…"

But alone, her explanation seemed weak.

A hand gently wrapped around her waist, giving her strength. A tall figure stood firmly beside her.

"I can testify. My wife didn't touch those shelves. Ms. Watson crashed into them."

Rachel glared. "You're lying! You're all in this together, trying to frame me!"

Alexander's face was calm as he looked at the staff. "You can check the security footage. If there's any dispute, we can call the police. But my wife won't admit to something she didn't do."

His steady voice calmed Arabella's heart.